Caroline K. Keck: Art Conservator, Dies at 99

Caroline K. Keck, a pioneer of art conservation, died on Dec. 17 at her home in Cooperstown, N.Y. She was 99.

Her death was announced by her son Lawrence Waugh Keck.

Mrs. Keck and her husband, Sheldon Keck, were two of the most influential conservators of the modern era. They were instrumental in converting the centuries-old craft of art restoration into a profession based on scientific research, the use of modern technology and adherence to shared methodological standards. While art restorers once were secretive and too often used techniques that harmed artworks, the Kecks insisted that conservators should thoroughly document their procedures and that everything done to a piece should be easily and fully reversible.